Springdale Leads Growth In Latest Census Estimates

New U.S. Census estimates show that more than half of Arkansas' cities and towns saw population drops over the past 10 years - even as the state's overall population grew by 9 percent.

Recent population estimates show that 308 cities and towns in Arkansas had population declines between 2002 and 2012. The largest drop was in Pine Bluff, where the population decreased by more than 6,800 over the 10-year period. Springdale led the 194 cities that gained in population.

The city added more than 21,000 residents during the same period. Economic officials say the state's metropolitan areas are growing while the population continues to decline in rural parts of the state.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that the top five growing cities are Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Fayetteville and Conway.